Dinosaurs and mass extinctions

In short: Dinosaurs ruled the Earth for about 165 million years before they died out about 66 million years ago, except for the birds. An asteroid impact is considered the main cause.

In more detail: Birds are the present-day descendants of the dinosaurs.

In detail

• Geological era: Dinosaurs lived in the Mesozoic (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous).
• Diversity: Huge herbivores such as Brachiosaurus, predators such as Tyrannosaurus, feathered species.
• Impact: The Chicxulub crater in Mexico shows an enormous meteorite impact.
• Consequences: Dust and smoke darkened the sun, plants and food chains collapsed (nahrungskette-und-oekosystem).
• Other factors: Volcanism (Deccan Traps) and climate fluctuations.
• Five mass extinctions: The largest was at the end of the Permian 252 million years ago.
• Today: Researchers speak of a sixth mass extinction caused by humans (biodiversitaet-und-artenvielfalt).
• Fossils: Bones, tracks and eggs give clues (evolution-grundlagen).